I bought 500 seeds from a guy in Arizona who farms Boswellia. Germination rates are notoriously low, ranging between 1% -10%. Started germinating mine in earnest a couple of weeks ago, and so far have one sprout out of 150 seeds sown. I'm wondering if that's my lot, or whether this was just one super-vigorous seed that sprouted early.

The Frankincense will be a long time coming, although growth rate is pretty good. Not in the least sluggish. If I get 5 or 6 plants out of 500 seeds, I'll be lucky. Now I know why mature plants are soooo expensive!

John, add a little Gold and Myrrh and your a wise man.
Good Luck with its growth, is it true that the viability of these seeds are a few days or 2 weeks at the most?
off topic..Hows your "Lavoixia" doing? Pete

Pete - I was informed that seed viability is good between harvests. Germination rates will no doubt vary during that time, but they are notoriously difficult to germinate. 1% was the low figure quoted. 6-8% would be considered exceptional. They sprout quite fast if they're in good shape, which takes some of the pain away. I would sow a pot of 20 seeds, and if nothing after 3 weeks, stick another 20 seeds in the same pot.

Sadly, my Lavoixia carked. Well, that's what I'm led to believe. It's in Peru and I'm in Spain, but apparently, no new growth and what growth there was brown-tipped back to the stem. I'll double check all this later, but it doesn't look encouraging.

Pete - I was informed that seed viability is good between harvests. Germination rates will no doubt vary during that time, but they are notoriously difficult to germinate. 1% was the low figure quoted. 6-8% would be considered exceptional. They sprout quite fast if they're in good shape, which takes some of the pain away. I would sow a pot of 20 seeds, and if nothing after 3 weeks, stick another 20 seeds in the same pot.

Sadly, my Lavoixia carked. Well, that's what I'm led to believe. It's in Peru and I'm in Spain, but apparently, no new growth and what growth there was brown-tipped back to the stem. I'll double check all this later, but it doesn't look encouraging.

John, Good Luck with the rest of your Frankincense, and what a bummer re Lavoixia but your technique has certainly given a lot of future help to enthusiasts / collectors and anyone who cares for the environment to maybe grow this Rare Gem from seed now with some confidence.

Thanks for the photos, Charles. The climate here is good, so I'm expecting mine to adapt into young plants without too much trouble. I shan't be planting out though. I want to see this one thrive in the greenhouse this summer!

I bought 500 seeds from a guy in Arizona who farms Boswellia. Germination rates are notoriously low, ranging between 1% -10%. Started germinating mine in earnest a couple of weeks ago, and so far have one sprout out of 150 seeds sown. I'm wondering if that's my lot, or whether this was just one super-vigorous seed that sprouted early.

This Boswellia is still on my plant wish list where it's been for at least 20 years... Great to hear of your success! Please continue to post as more germinate and they grow up!